Located in the southern extreme of South America, Argentina has a continental extension of almost 3.8 million km2, out of which 2.8 km2 belong to the continent –with approximately 54% of vast plains like meadows, 23% of plateaus, another 23% of mountains and hills and the rest belongs to the Antartic sector. Its 3.800 kilometers extend from 22º to 55º of South latitude. It is bounded by Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile with a total boundary area of 4.725 kilometers. Its maritime front on the Atlantic Ocean reaches up to 4.725 kilometers.

Geography

The most salient characteristic of the Argentinian relief is its marked contrast given by its vast plains and the breathtaking Andes mountain range, where we find the highest peak in the Western hemisphere: The Aconcagua (6.959 m).

From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the mountain range shows a rich variety of landscapes: from the Puna high plateau of the northwest – desert-like with valleys, gorges and colourful hills - to the Patagonian region of lakes, forests and glaciers.

To the north, Chaco is a primarily forestal area surrounded by the rivers Bermejo, Salado and Pilcomayo.

Between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers, the Mesopotamia (Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones provinces) is made up of slopes, ponds and swampy lands cut through by these large rivers. In some places amidst the subtropical rainforest, there are spectacular falls such as the Iguazu Falls.

The Pampa region lies in the centre of Argentina, a vast plain that is highly productive for agriculture and cattle breeding. This region comprises the province of Buenos Aires, the northwest part of La Pampa and the south of Cordoba and Santa Fe. Its plain landscape is just broken by Tandil and de la Ventana Hills to the south and by the Cordoba Hills to the west.

Towards the Southern part, there is a mountainous Patagonian landscape pounded by winds. The Atlantic coastline surrounded by high cliffs gives shape to the Penìnsula Valdès with its unique colonies of marine animals.

Climate
Argentina is subject to a variety of climates: temperate climate in the Pampa plains, cold and wet in the western extreme of the Patagonia, subtropical in the northern part of the Mesopotamia and warm in the northwest. From November to March, the mean temperature is of 23º Celsius and from June to September is of 12º Celsius.

Population
Argentina’s demographic density consists of more than 36 million inhabitants. Almost half of the population lives in Capital Federal and the province of Buenos Aires. These figures show a population density of 13 inhabitants per km2.

95% of the population is mainly descendant of Italian and Spanish immigrants. With the massive European immigration, the number of people of mixed races (European and Indigenous inhabitants) gradually shrank to 4.5%. The indigenous inhabitants of the country – mapuches, collas, tobas, matacos y chiriguanos - account for 0.5% of the population.

Language
The official language of the Republic of Argentina is Spanish. Inhabitants of Buenos Aires speak a variety of slang, known as lunfardo.

Religion
The state religion is Roman Catholic, although there is freedom of worship. Other religions are present, such as Protestantism, Judaism, Islamic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, among others.

Currency
The official currency is peso argentino ($). There are currency notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, and coins of 1 peso, 2 pesos and 1,5,10,25 and 50 cents.

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. It is located on the southern hemisphere of the American continent, 34º 36’ latitude and 58º 26’ longitude. The city lies on a plain surface and it has an area of 202 km2. There are approximately 3 million inhabitants in the city, which together with the metropolitan area, make the city one of the ten largest urban centres of the world.

The River Plate and the Riachuelo are its natural borders to the east and south. The General Paz Avenue, a motorway that surrounds the city from north to west, completes the city boundaries. As this motorway links Capital Federal with Greater Buenos Aires, it is a heavily populated area with great economic activity.

Climate
The city has a temperate climate with average temperatures of 18º Celsius, making it perfect for sightseeing all year round.

July is the coldest month, and although freezing temperatures are not common, it is advisable to wear a woolen coat, a jacket and a scarf. Temperatures in winter are quite moderate during the day, dropping considerably at night.

Summertime brings wet heat. There is very hot weather during the day, with temperatures dropping slightly at night so light clothes are recommendable.

The rainiest seasons are fall and spring (from March to June and from September to December). As it generally drizzles, only a raincoat and an umbrella are required.

Mornings are generally fresh during the sunny autumn days and springtime, with temperatures rising gently towards midday and dropping at night.

Sanitary conditions
There is no need to get vaccinated before travelling to Buenos Aires as this is a hygienic city with running water. Public hospitals are open to tourists free of charge all day round. Health care professionals are renowned and of an excellent level. The emergency ambulance system (SAME) is also free of charge.

Means of Transport
There is a transport system with a wide array of alternatives in the city: five subway lines (subtes), more than a hundred bus lines (colectivos) and trains (trenes). Taxis and “remises” are a very common means of transport as they are quite safe and rather more convenient than in other cities.

There are also many alternatives to get to Buenos Aires: airlines and ship lines from abroad and bus lines and trains from the interior part of the country.